The basic steps to pair a DualSense

To connect a DualSense controller via Bluetooth, put the controller into pairing mode by holding the PlayStation button and the Create button together for about three seconds until the light bar flashes white. Then open your device's Bluetooth settings, find "Wireless Controller" in the available devices list, and select it. The controller will connect within a few seconds and the light bar will turn solid blue.

The exact steps vary slightly depending on whether you're pairing to a PlayStation 5, a PC, a Mac, an Android phone, or an iPhone. Each device type has its own Bluetooth menu in a different location, but the pairing mode itself — holding those two buttons — stays the same across all of them.

Once paired, the controller will reconnect automatically the next time you turn it on and your device's Bluetooth is active. You only need to go through the full pairing process once per device.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold the PlayStation button and Create button together for three seconds to enter pairing mode; the light bar will flash white when ready.
  • Open your device's Bluetooth settings and select "Wireless Controller" from the list of available devices.
  • The controller will reconnect automatically to any device it has already paired with, as long as Bluetooth is turned on.
  • If pairing fails, restart both the controller and your device, then try again from the beginning.
  • A DualSense can be paired to multiple devices but can only connect to one at a time.

Pairing to a PlayStation 5

On a PS5, you can pair a DualSense using either a USB cable or Bluetooth. For Bluetooth, put the controller in pairing mode by holding PlayStation and Create together until the light bar flashes white. The PS5 will detect it automatically — you don't need to open a menu. straightforward wait a few seconds and the controller will connect.

If the PS5 doesn't detect it, go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Bluetooth Accessories and select "Wireless Controller" from the list. This is also where you can unpair a controller if you want to remove it from your PS5.

Pairing to a Windows PC

On Windows 10 or 11, put the DualSense in pairing mode, then go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device. Select Bluetooth from the menu that appears. Wait for "Wireless Controller" to show up in the list, then click it. Windows will pair the controller and you'll see a confirmation message.

If "Wireless Controller" doesn't appear, make sure your PC's Bluetooth is turned on and the controller is still in pairing mode (the light bar should still be flashing white). You may need to wait 10 to 15 seconds for it to show up. If it still doesn't appear, restart the controller by holding the PlayStation button for 10 seconds until it powers off, then try again.

Pairing to a Mac

On macOS, put the DualSense in pairing mode and go to System Settings > Bluetooth. The "Wireless Controller" will appear in the list of available devices. Click it to pair. The controller will connect and appear under "My Devices" once pairing is complete.

If you see the controller in the list but it won't connect, click the information icon next to it and select "Forget This Device," then try pairing again from the beginning. This clears any incomplete pairing data that might be blocking the connection.

Pairing to an Android phone or tablet

Put the DualSense in pairing mode and open your Android device's Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth (or Bluetooth & device connection, depending on your Android version). Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. The "Wireless Controller" will appear in the list of available devices. Tap it to pair.

Android will ask for permission to pair with the controller. Confirm the pairing and wait a few seconds for the connection to complete. Once paired, the controller will reconnect automatically whenever you turn it on and Bluetooth is active on your phone.

Pairing to an iPhone or iPad

Put the DualSense in pairing mode and go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad. Make sure Bluetooth is on. The "Wireless Controller" will appear in the list of available devices. Tap it to pair. iOS will connect the controller within a few seconds.

The DualSense works with most games on the App Store that support external controllers, though not all games use all of the controller's features. Check the game's description to confirm it supports the DualSense before you pair.

What to do if pairing fails

If the controller won't pair after you've entered pairing mode, the most common fix is to restart both devices. Power off the DualSense by holding the PlayStation button for 10 seconds until the light bar goes dark. Then restart your phone, PC, Mac, or console, and try pairing again from the beginning.

If the controller still won't pair, make sure Bluetooth is actually turned on in your device's settings — it's straightforward to miss if you're moving quickly. Also check that no other device is currently connected to the controller. A DualSense can pair with multiple devices but can only maintain an active connection to one at a time. If it's connected to your PS5, for example, you'll need to disconnect it there before it can connect to your PC.

On PC and Mac, you can also try removing the controller from your Bluetooth settings entirely and pairing it fresh. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, find "Wireless Controller," click the three dots next to it, and select "Remove device." On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, click the information icon next to the controller, and select "Forget This Device." Then put the controller back in pairing mode and pair it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a DualSense on a PlayStation 4?

No. The DualSense is designed for PS5 and does not work with a PS4, even over Bluetooth. A PS4 requires a DualShock 4 controller. However, a DualSense works with PC, Mac, Android, and iPhone without any issues.

Will the DualSense work with games on my phone?

Most games on iOS and Android do not support external controllers. Check the game's description in the App Store or Google Play to see if it lists controller support. Games that do support controllers will work with the DualSense once it's paired to your phone.

Why does my DualSense keep disconnecting?

Disconnections usually happen when the controller is too far from your device (more than 30 feet away), when Bluetooth is turned off, or when the battery is very low. Move closer to your device, make sure Bluetooth is on, and charge the controller. If disconnections continue, try unpairing and pairing again.

Can I pair one DualSense to multiple devices at once?

A DualSense can be paired to multiple devices, but it can only connect to one device at a time. If you want to use it on your PS5 and your PC, you can pair it to both, but you'll need to disconnect it from one before connecting to the other.

How do I know if my DualSense is in pairing mode?

The light bar on the back of the controller will flash white when it's in pairing mode. If the light bar is solid blue, the controller is already connected to a device. If it's off, the controller is powered down.